Technology or Analog? by Carol Harrison

                              

photo by Carol Harrison

Technology often scares me. Oh, I use my computer for word processing and Mr. Google to search for information. I have even shopped on line from time to time. I’ve also wasted time scrolling through Facebook to procrastinate doing other things on my to do list.I used to always type my projects directly into the computer word document but over the last few years have picked up a pen and put the words on paper before typing them. Why? I’m not sure. I type faster than I can write longhand. Yet sitting in my big comfy chair with the sun shining in the large patio windows feels like a warm, safe space to journal or write blog posts in a notebook.

Maybe it would be clearer to say that using social media intimidates me. I don’t know the best way to use it to promote myself and my writing to potential readers. I do have a Facebook account and an Instagram one too. I even have a Twitter or X account but I don’t use it and rarely post on Instagram. My Facebook account started to keep in touch with friends and family. Some family posted news and photos on closed accounts and it helped keep us in touch.

When I began writing, I posted about any writing and even did several on line book launches that had a week of posts and photos along with an invite to a live video launch. The live part terrified me. I worried I couldn’t make it happen and yet I set myself a goal to try. I think they worked out.

Then a writer friend encouraged some of us to take one week and post something unrelated to selling our books. It should be fun and inspirational posts. She wanted us to try and connect with potential readers without a sales pitch. I took up her challenge. After the week finished, I continued posting three times a week. Monday I posted a photo and inspirational post to go with it. Wednesdays I posted creative endeavours of friends and family to encourage them and share their work with any followers I had. Finally, on Fridays I decided to try something fun. I began posting photos of my bear, Patches, doing different things and invited people to caption the photo or use it for a creative prompt or just enjoy it. I chose the teddy bear because I don’t have a pet that might offer a variety of poses.

As time passed, the Monday and Wednesday posts disappeared. Friday Patches posts have continued. Now when memories bring up some of the inspirational posts from back then, I share them again. Maybe it’s time to reinstate them and come up with some new ones.

But, although I do use Facebook a bit and word documents, updating and maintaining my own webpage is beyond my skill level. I need to have someone more tech savvy help me or rather implement the changes I need. Right now that hasn’t happened for way too long leaving an outdated web page.

Technology or analog? I wouldn’t want to give up my smartphone or laptop even though the computer at times frustrates or overwhelms me. I don’t use either to their full capacity. There is something about sitting with pen and paper to jot down thoughts. But to interact with more potential readers, Facebook has its place. Now I just need to get past my phobia surrounding using technology and surrounding myself with others who know more than me about using social media and updating my website.

 

Carol Harrison feels like social media and technology can be frightening things but necessary ones. She lives in Saskatoon, SK and is grateful for help from family unafraid of pushing a wrong button.

Embracing the Changing Seasons of Life by Nina Faye Morey

For everything there is a season,

and a time for every purpose under heaven.

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ASV)

Just as nature’s seasons change, so do the seasons of our lives. We may not be willing to accept these changes, but they will happen nevertheless. They are inevitable and come and go quickly. Time passes even faster as I grow older, and the seasons of my life zoom past with head-spinning speed. But would I really want to stop the clock? If my life grew stale and stagnant despite these ever-changing seasons, would I still remain content? As far as I can see, I only have two choices. I can be the passive casualty of change or the passionate embracer of change. I know which one I will choose. How about you?

Change doesn’t have to be viewed as negative. Many changes in my life have definitely been for the better. They’ve opened me up to new adventures, new experiences, new discoveries, new ideas, new passions, new hopes, new dreams, new purposes, new people, and so many other new and positive things. I’ve discovered that I am more satisfied with the seasons of my life if I choose to actively embrace these changes rather than complaining about them, fearing them, resisting them, or outright rejecting them. I must not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone, shake-up my normal routine, and move ahead with my life.

Autumn is a glorious season when the summer leaves change colour from their fine greenery to brilliant shades of yellow, red, and orange. It’s also traditionally a time when one season of life transforms into another. As I harvest and preserve the fruits of past labours, I am also planning what seeds I will plant and nurture through my next season of growth. Embracing these changing seasons of life offers renewed opportunities to envision how to make the best use of my God-given gifts. More specifically, what does God want me to do and what do I want Him to do for me in the next phase of my writing life? I am excited to see what new challenges He has in store for me and how He will help me to meet these challenges. What does He require of me and how will I respond? I have dreamed up so many writing projects for this upcoming season that I hardly know where to begin.

The LORD says, “I will teach you the way you should go;

I will instruct you and advise you.

~ Psalm 32:8 (GNT)

As I prepare for my next season of growth, I feel God challenging me to cultivate fresh fields. One new field in which I plan to plant and nurture seeds is on a site in the realm of the internet. I haven’t settled on a name for my new domain yet, but I’ve been reading several of those how-to books and websites that promise to help me plan, design, and launch my new website into this online world. I don’t know if this new site will prove to be a fertile ground for growth, but I intend to fully embrace this challenge. I believe that if I listen to God’s voice and respond positively to this change He’s asking me to make in my writing life, my efforts will prove to be fruitful.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you.

For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine,

and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

~ John 15:4 (NLT)

Just as the seasonal changes in nature are inevitable, so are the changes that naturally occur as we go through the seasons of life. What new challenges in your life or writing do you feel God has in store for you this season, and how will you respond?